The 1870s Thesis: Why America's Next Boom is Nuclear

Michael Thompson, co-founder and managing partner of Reinvent Capital, a director at Joby Aviation, and a board member at Oklo, joins the show to talk about what it will actually take to reindustrialize America. We dig into why Oklo's small modular reactors (SMRs) are the missing piece for abundant, reliable power and how overregulation has slowed nuclear’s ability to scale when the country needs it most. Then we pivot to the mobility side of the rebuild: why Joby’s approach is different, including its hydrogen-electric work aimed at unlocking true regional-range flight powered by hydrogen fuel cells. If you care about energy dominance, manufacturing capacity, and the next era of American infrastructure, this one’s a blueprint.Learn more here:Oklo: https://oklo.com/overview/default.aspxJoby Aviation: https://www.jobyaviation.com/VISIT OUR MERCH STORE https://www.redpillthreads.com/icamewithfireChapters:00:00 Introduction and Background02:58 The 1870s Thesis and Infrastructure Investment05:43 Challenges in American Manufacturing08:47 The Nuclear Industry's Decline and Regulation11:34 Oklo's Vision and Partnerships14:32 The Future of Nuclear Energy and SMRs17:42 Uranium Mining and Domestic Supply Chains20:45 Understanding SMRs and Oklo's Technology23:29 Community Integration and Energy Solutions26:47 Education and Career Pathways in Nuclear Engineering35:04 The Impact of AI on Education and Employment39:34 Nuclear Technology and Global Diplomacy43:26 Transformations in U.S. Defense and Manufacturing46:28 Joby Aviation: Innovations in Air Travel52:47 Hydrogen Fuel Cells and Future of Aviation01:01:05 Advice for Entering Cutting-Edge TechnologiesCheck Out Our Sponsors:Honor Tribe Outdoors (HTO) is more than a non-profit organization – we are a tribe, a community of Combat Veterans and Gold Star Families who find healing and connection through the serenity of outdoor conservation activities. Our programs offer a respite from the everyday grind, providing the opportunity to hunt, connect with nature, and create lifelong memories and bonds.https://honortribeoutdoors.org/Kill Cliff Energy! Looking for a clean energy boost without the crash? Kill Cliff Energy has you covered! Packed with natural ingredients, electrolytes, and just the right amount of caffeine, Kill Cliff gives you the energy you need to power through your day. Plus, with our exclusive discount code KCPODCAST20, you can get 20% off your next purchase. Fuel your energy and recovery with Kill Cliff! Check them out at https://www.killcliff.comRedefine Violence. Redefine Violence is a unifying banner for ALL violent arts, disciplines, professions, and survivors of violent circumstance. REDEFINE VIOLENCE! If you fit into one of those categories or just want to support a noble cause, head on over to their site either directly at www.redefineviolence.com or through our "Promos" highlight on Instagram and get yourself some awesome merch or MMA gear. Use coupon code "FIRE10" at checkout for 10% off your entire purchase! https://redefineviolence.com/